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01-FIgure Flatting tips for Headshots in Destin

Writer's picture: Melonie Marie McEverMelonie Marie McEver

Updated: May 20, 2024

POWER TALK 01:

If you're done saying the words "I have nothing to wear" keep reading to see how I can help you find your fashion groove, embrace your body, love your reflection and rock the threads that suit you best. My figure flatting tips for your headshots in Destin are more then just a tip for photos, it's a new way to love your reflection everyday.


Figure Flatting Tips for your Headshots in Destin, Florida (or anywhere you want)!


Destin Headshots figure flattering tips
Figure Flattering Tips for Headshots

Did you know that dressing your best is based on your shape, not on your measurements!


It's true, fashion is all about the circles and the squares; the yin and the yang, and the perfect blend that matches YOUR individual style essence. Clothes are very personal for each of us, however very few people actually know what items of clothing compliment their body shape. From color to cut, we end up buying into trends and purchasing too much of the wrong thing. This impulse buying results in very little return for our money and more importantly, very little for our confidence.


To correctly measure your body shape, you can use a flexible tape measure to measure the following key areas:


- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust

- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist

- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips


For accurate measurements, ensure the tape measure is snug but not too tight, and measure while standing up straight. If you need more specific guidance, consider consulting a tailor or a professional who can assist you with taking accurate body measurements.


Once you have your measurements, you can determine your body shape by comparing the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. Here are the typical body shapes and how to identify them based on your measurements:

  • Hourglass: If your bust and hip measurements are nearly the same, with a smaller waist measurement, you likely have an hourglass body shape.

  • Pear: If your hip measurements are larger than your bust measurements, and you have a defined waist, you likely have a pear body shape.

  • Apple: If your bust measurements are larger than your hip measurements, and you have less definition at the waist, you likely have an apple body shape.

  • Rectangle: If your bust, waist, and hip measurements are fairly similar, with little waist definition, you likely have a rectangular body shape.

  • Inverted Triangle: If your bust measurements are larger than your hip measurements, and your waist measurements are not significantly smaller, you likely have an inverted triangle body shape.


By comparing these measurements and characteristics, you can determine your body shape and dress accordingly to accentuate your best features.


Choosing the Right Clothing Styles to enhance your body shape:

Understanding your body shape is an essential step in dressing well and feeling confident in your own skin. By identifying your body type and understanding its unique features, you can learn how to accentuate your best assets and minimize any areas you may feel less confident about.


Destin Headshot and figure flattering tips
Headshots in Destin | Figure Flatting Tips

Keep reading as we uncover a few figure flattering tips starting with understanding your body shape (NOT size). There are generally five main body shapes: pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Every body shape has its own distinct characteristics, and understanding these can guide you in finding the most flattering styles and silhouettes for your figure. Please remember that size does not determine shape!



The pear-shaped body type is characterized by a smaller upper body with wider hips and thighs. If you have this body shape, you can embrace styles that draw attention to your waist and upper body such as A-line skirts, wide-legged pants, and off-the-shoulder tops. Avoid wearing clingy fabrics or tight bottoms that may emphasize the lower half of your body.


The apple-shaped body type typically carries weight around the midsection, with a fuller bust, a less defined waist, and slimmer legs. To flatter this body shape, opt for styles that create a balanced silhouette and draw attention away from the midsection. Empire waist dresses, flowy tops, and structured jackets can create definition at the waist while diverting attention to the arms and legs.


The hourglass body type is characterized by proportionally balanced bust and hips with a well-defined waist. This is often considered the most desired body shape, and many styles naturally flatter the hourglass figure. Choose wrap dresses, high-waisted bottoms, and fitted tops to emphasize your curves and highlight your waist. Avoid bulky or shapeless clothing that may hide your figure.



The rectangle body type is characterized by having a straight silhouette, with shoulders and hips of similar width and little waist definition. To flatter this body shape, there are a few tips for what to wear. Firstly, opt for garments that create the illusion of curves, such as dresses or tops with ruching, draping, or gathering around the waist. Structured jackets or blazers that nipped in at the waist can also help create a more defined shape.


The inverted triangle body shape silhouette is characterized by broad shoulders and a narrow waist and hip area. To flatter this shape, it's best to draw attention away from the shoulders and create the illusion of a more balanced figure. This can be achieved by wearing clothing that emphasizes the waist and adds volume to the lower body, such as A-line skirts, bootcut pants, and dresses with defined waists. V-neck tops and dresses can also help to soften the broadness of the shoulders, while adding detail and interest to the hip and waist area is recommended. Additionally, structured jackets and tops that create a defined waistline can enhance this body shape.


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WHAT TO WEAR

Understanding your body shape is not about conforming to a societal ideal but rather about finding clothing styles that make you feel comfortable and confident. Embrace your unique features and experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Remember, dressing should be a fun and personal expression of your style, and understanding your body shape is just one tool to help you achieve that.


Figure Flattering tips for Choosing the Right Clothing Styles for each body shape


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When it comes to choosing the right clothing styles, understanding and dressing for your body shape can make a significant difference in how you look and feel. By exploring flattering outfit options for each body type, you can accentuate your best features and create a more balanced and proportionate silhouette. Here are some fashionable choices for different body shapes:


1. Pear or Triangle Shape:

  • A-line dresses: These dresses cinch in at the waist and flare out, emphasizing the narrowest part of your figure while skimming over the hips and thighs.

  • High-waisted pants: Opt for pants that sit higher on your waist to elongate your legs and create a flattering hourglass shape.

  • Wrap tops: Wrap tops accentuate your upper half while drawing attention away from the lower body. Look for ones that tie at the waist to create definition.


2. Apple or Round Shape:

  • Empire waist dresses: These dresses have a seam just below the bust, highlighting the smallest part of your torso and flowing away from the midsection.

  • Flowy blouses: Choose blouses with a loose, flowy fit that drape gently over your midsection, creating a slimming effect.

  • Bootcut or wide-leg pants: Opt for bottoms with a slight flare to balance out your proportions and create a longer, leaner look.



3. Hourglass Shape:

  • Bodycon dresses: Fitted dresses that hug your curves can showcase your hourglass figure beautifully.

  • Belted styles: Accentuate your waist by choosing clothing with belts or adjustable waistlines that cinch in the midsection.

  • Pencil skirts: These skirts hug your hips and taper down the legs, enhancing your curves and emphasizing your slim waist.


4. Rectangle Shape:

  • Peplum tops: Peplum tops add volume and create the illusion of curves, making them a great option for rectangular body shapes.

  • Crop tops: Showcasing your midriff with a well-fitted crop top can help create the illusion of a smaller waist and add curves.

  • Pleated skirts: Opt for pleated skirts to add some dimension to your lower body and create the illusion of fuller hips.


5. Inverted Triangle Body Shape:

  • A-line skirts: A-line skirts help to create the illusion of a balanced figure by adding volume to the lower body and drawing attention away from the shoulders.

  • V-neck tops and dresses: V-neck tops and dresses can help to soften the broadness of the shoulders while adding a flattering touch to the upper body.

  • Structured jackets and tops with defined waistlines: These types of clothing items help to enhance the inverted triangle shape by creating a defined waistline and balancing the overall silhouette.


Again, dressing for your body shape is all about ensuring that the clothing you choose enhances and flatters your unique proportions. These outfit options are just starting points, and it's essential to try different styles and experiment to find what you feel most confident and comfortable in.


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Accentuating Your Assets: Figure Flattering tips for curves

Techniques for highlighting curves and creating a more balanced silhouette can enhance your overall appearance and give you a boost of confidence. Whether you have been blessed with natural curves or want to create the illusion of more curves, there are several ways to accentuate your assets. Here are some techniques to consider:


1. Choose the right clothing: Selecting the right garments can make a significant difference in highlighting your curves. Opt for pieces that cinch at the waist, such as fitted dresses, wrap tops, or high-waisted bottoms that hug your curves. A well-fitted garment can define your waist and enhance the curves of your hips and bust.


2. Belts and waist-cinching accessories: Incorporating belts or waist-cinching accessories can immediately draw attention to your curves. Choose belts that are wide and cinch at the smallest part of your waist. This simple addition can emphasize your hourglass figure and create a more balanced silhouette.



3. Strategic use of prints and patterns: Certain prints and patterns can create an optical illusion, emphasizing and enhancing your curves. Vertical stripes, for example, can elongate your figure and make you appear slimmer, while diagonal patterns can add subtle curves. Experiment with different prints and patterns to see what works best for you.


4. Layering and proportion: Layering can be a great way to add curves to your silhouette. Consider pairing a well-fitted blazer or cardigan over a form-fitting top to create dimension and highlight your curves. Additionally, playing with proportions by pairing a loose-fitting top with a fitted bottom or vice versa can balance out your figure and accentuate your curves.


5. Body-shaping undergarments: For those who want additional support, consider investing in body-shaping undergarments. These undergarments can help smooth out any areas of concern and create a more pronounced silhouette. Options such as waist trainers, shaping shorts, or body shapers can provide extra confidence and enhance your curves.


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Accentuating Your Assets by Enhancing Proportions

Using clothing and accessories to create the illusion of a more proportionate figure is the perfect way to flatter your body shape. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve this:


1. Define Your Waist: Highlighting your waist is a great way to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Opt for belts, cinched dresses, or tops with waist detailing that draw attention to this area. This can help create balance and enhance the natural proportions of your body.


2. Use Prints and Colors Strategically: Wearing prints and colors strategically can help visually balance your figure. For instance, wearing darker, solid colors on areas you want to minimize, and brighter or patterned fabrics on areas you want to highlight can create the illusion of proportion.


3. Play with Layering: Layering your clothing can add dimension and texture to your outfit while creating more balanced proportions. For example, wearing a long cardigan over a fitted dress can help elongate your torso and create a more streamlined silhouette.


4. Choose the Right Silhouettes: Different clothing silhouettes can either emphasize or downplay certain areas of your body. Experiment with different cuts and styles to find what works best for you. For example, if you have a smaller upper body and wider hips, try wearing A-line skirts or trousers to create a more balanced shape.


5. Accessorize Intentionally: The right accessories can also help enhance your proportions. For example, wearing long necklaces can create vertical lines, making you appear taller and leaner. Additionally, statement accessories like scarves or statement earrings can draw attention to specific areas of your body, balancing out your proportions.


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Remember, fashion is about embracing your unique body shape and finding what makes you feel confident. Use these tips as guidelines, but don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your style.Remember, highlighting your curves is not solely about what you wear; it's also about owning and embracing your natural shape. Confidence plays a significant role in accentuating your assets, so be proud of your curves and let your self-assuredness shine through.


Playing with Colors and Patterns for Body Shape Enhancement and Figure-Flattering Tips


Using colors strategically: Understanding how colors can create illusions and draw attention to areas you want to highlight. When it comes to dressing for your body type, understanding how colors can enhance or minimize certain areas can make a big difference in creating a flattering silhouette. Here are some tips:


1. Dark colors for minimizing: Dark colors like black, navy, or deep hues can create a slimming effect. Use dark tones in areas you want to downplay or make less noticeable.


2. Bright colors for highlighting: Bright and vibrant colors can draw attention to specific areas. Use them strategically on parts you want to accentuate or emphasize.


3. Color blocking: Combining contrasting colors in strategic places can help create the illusion of a more balanced figure. For example, using a darker shade on the sides and a lighter shade in the middle can give the appearance of a slimmer waist.

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Incorporating patterns: Tips for incorporating patterns that can enhance or minimize certain areas of your body.


Patterns can be a valuable tool in dressing for your body type. However, please note that it is suggested to AVOID all patterns when doing a photo shoot (click here to see why).


Here are some figure-flattering tips for incorporating patterns:


1. Vertical stripes: Vertical stripes create an elongating effect, making you look taller and slimmer. Consider opting for pinstripes, thin vertical lines, or vertical patterns to achieve this effect.


2. Diagonal patterns: Diagonal patterns or lines can create a sense of movement in your outfit, diverting attention from certain areas. They can be particularly helpful in toning down areas you wish to minimize.


3. Small-scale patterns: Smaller patterns, such as ditsy florals or tiny polka dots, can help create a softer and more delicate look. They generally work well for most body types and can add visual interest to your outfit without overwhelming your figure.


4. Strategic placement: Patterns can be used to draw attention to or away from certain areas. For instance, if you want to accentuate your upper body, opt for a patterned top paired with a solid color bottom. Conversely, if you wish to downplay your lower body, choose a patterned bottom combined with a solid color top.


Remember, experimenting with different colors and patterns is key to finding what works best for you. Ultimately, dressing for your body type involves celebrating your unique features and finding styles that make you feel confident and comfortable.


The Power of Proper Undergarments for all your fashion styles: Empowering Image Styling Techniques for all Body Shapes


Figure Flatting tips for your Destin Headshot photo session
Headshot in Destin

Choosing the right bra:

Finding a well-fitting bra that provides support and enhances your shape is key to looking and feeling your best. Here are some tips to consider when selecting a bra:


1. Get measured: Start by measuring your bust size. Visit a lingerie store or use an online bra size calculator to determine your correct size. Remember that bra sizes can vary among brands, so it's important to measure each time you shop.


2. Determine your shape: Different bra styles are designed to accommodate different breast shapes. Determine whether you have a full, balanced, or shallow shape, as this will help you choose the most flattering bra style.


3. Pay attention to band fit: The band should sit snugly around your ribcage, providing support without digging in or leaving marks. Make sure it lies parallel to the ground and does not ride up in the back.


4. Consider cup size: The cups should fully enclose your breasts without any spillage or gaps. If your breasts are overflowing or the cups appear empty, try adjusting the cup size accordingly.


5. Adjust the straps: Straps should be adjusted so they provide the right amount of lift and support without digging into your shoulders. They should also be symmetrical and not slide off.


Shapewear options:

Shapewear is a great